CVE-2010-2137 in ProMan
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in _center.php in ProMan 0.1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2137 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the ProMan content management system version 0.1.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the _center.php file where user input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw specifically manifests when the page parameter is manipulated to contain a URL that references external resources, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the PHP language's ability to include and execute files from remote locations when the include or require functions are used with user-controllable input. In the context of ProMan 0.1.1, the _center.php script likely uses a construct such as include($_GET['page']) or require($_GET['page']) where the page parameter is directly passed to the file inclusion mechanism. This pattern creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the include statement by providing a URL in the page parameter that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw and maps to CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector operates through the web application's user interface, making it particularly difficult to detect and prevent without proper input validation mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise and data breaches when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoor scripts, extract database credentials, modify website content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability also provides attackers with the ability to perform lateral movement within the network if the web server has access to internal resources. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as attackers can use the vulnerability to execute malicious payloads that can then be used to establish more sophisticated attack chains. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and the establishment of command and control channels that can persist even after the initial vulnerability is patched.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the ProMan application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URLs or external references in file inclusion operations. The recommended fix involves using a whitelist approach where only predefined, safe file names are allowed in the page parameter, or implementing proper URL validation that ensures all included files originate from trusted sources. Additionally, the application should be updated to use secure coding practices such as the include_once or require_once functions with properly validated file paths. Security measures should also include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of application code to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish proper patch management procedures to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, as this particular vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the cybersecurity community since its disclosure.